The devastation left behind by flooding was heartbreaking but it has been fantastic to see the response from volunteers who have turned up to help farmers in the clean up.
People from Northland to Southland and everywhere in between have put their hands up to help farmers, which must be very humbling.
It must also be fantastic for farmers’ mental health, seeing just how valued they are by so many others.
And it’s not only clean up work being done.
Local businesses and community groups and helping out with food and equipment to make sure the work gets done.
There’s still plenty of work to be done, but the generosity shown by so many will help farmers deal with the mountain of work that is still ahead.
That has to be good for the soul.
Colin Williscroft
Flood clean up under way
The Ashburton River has been neglected and that has compounded flooding damage, Mid Canterbury farmer and Environment Canterbury (ECan) councillor Ian Mackenzie says.
Govt releases farm environment plan guidelines
The Government has released a new framework for farm environment plans (FEPs), designed to reduce compliance and cut costs to farmers and growers.
Foresters warn of wariness over exotics
Forest owners are concerned about the Climate Change Commission (CCC) hinting growth in exotic forest plantings will detract from New Zealand’s efforts to reduce gross emissions, and the commission’s preference for more native plantings.
Sector weighs final CCC report
Primary sector response to the Climate Change Commission’s final recommendations to the Government has been lukewarm, with concerns about some of the demands going to be placed on farmers and growers.
Hort hit by ongoing shipping delays
Shipping issues that plagued exporters over summer appear to have worsened for the horticulture season.
